Helen SlugaCostello "Our Mom" HELPER- Loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Helen S. Costello, age 79, passed away February 9, 2003 in Price while surrounded by her loving family. Born April 27, 1923, in Castle Gate, UT to George and Matilda Tersek Sluga. She attended local schools and graduated from Carbon High School in 1941. Married John Costello, June 28, 1941, in Helper, UT. He died Feb 12, 1986. Mom was a fun-loving, compassionate and giving person only to be stricken with Alzheimer's, which robbed her of the last seven years of her life. It left all of us broken-hearted and prevented her from knowing and loving her great-grandchildren. Mom was proud of her Slovenian heritage and ethnic background and was a 50 year member of SNPJ Lodge #689. Stories of her family and early years growing up in Helper were not only entertaining but became meaningful lessons to many. They grew up poor, but rich in love and family commitment. Helen worked for the Carbon County School District as a school lunch worker doing exactly what she loved to do, cook and have fun with her co-workers, faculty and the students. She was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Anthony's Parish, where she was a member of the Altar Society and Merry Mix-ups. Helen loved being a member of the Variety Club ( a circle of her life-long friends). She loved the holidays, with Halloween being right up there with Christmas and Easter. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her but we are comforted knowing that she is no longer locked up in her frail body, but at peace, never to suffer again. She is survived by her daughters, Jona (Tony) Gonzales, Barbara (Billy) Jewkes, both of Helper, Judy (Darryl) Zaccaria, Kirkland, WA; grandchildren, Shane and John Gonzales, Jason, Darren and Desiree Zaccaria, Amy, Rodney and Jeremy Jewkes; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Nathan, Coty, Hutch and Alexis; brothers, Tony and Louie Tonc, both of Helper; sister, Pauline Ahlin, Salt Lake City. Preceded in death by parents; husband; sisters, Tillie, Annie, Julia; and brother, George. Funeral Mass, Wed. Feb 12, 2003, 10 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service, Tues. 7 p.m. at the church in Helper. Family will be at the church Tues. and Wed. one hour prior to services. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper. Under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune on Feb. 10, 2003